Lacklustre Jets Rain On Their Own
Parade

A good crowd turned up last Saturday for the Newtown community reunion day at Henson Park, but the Jets spoiled their own party by turning in one of their more forgettable efforts for the season. Newtown had won handsomely against Balmain four weeks ago, but several of the Jets played on Saturday as if their winning bonuses were already in the bag. Trailing 10-4 at the break, the Jets conceded a further four tries to the Tigers in losing by 36-10.

It was in fact a less than enthralling performance by both teams, with one Henson Park regular commenting that both sides seemed determined to outdo the Wallabies and All Blacks in the boredom stakes. Newtown's fifty per cent completion rate for the game was a decisive indicator, along with lapses in team discipline such as conceding penalties late in the tackle count. Balmain's dominance of possession in the second half effectively shut out any possible resurgence by the Jets.

Newtown's best were Garth Wood, Steve Skinnon, Alf Duncan and Aaron Trinder. Duncan was voted the players' player, and it was good to see this talented player getting back to somewhere near his best form.

In the Metro Cup curtain raiser, the Jets again ran the competition leaders the Bulls to a desperately close finish. The lead changed hands several times in the match, with the visitors finally getting home by 24-20. Simon Mason led from the front all day and deservedly won the players' player award. Elusive Frank Samia, who had won the players' award for the Metro Colts in the recent Test Match curtain raiser, was the best of the Jets backline.

Newtown play Parramatta in First Division on this Friday evening (July 26) at Parramatta Stadium, with the early kick-off time of 5.30 p.m. In the Metro Cup, the Jets are at home to Ryde-Eastwood at Henson Park on Saturday, July 27, with this match starting at 3.00 p.m. Be sure to keep up with all the Newtown club news on 1300 36 36 90.